Seat track fitting

ABSTRACT

Described are track fitting assemblies having a main body with at least one plunger aperture, at least one button aperture intersecting the at least one plunger aperture, and at least one disengagement recess, at least one shear plunger assembly having a plunger, a shear pin, a plunger-spring, and a button comprising a recess, and a track with a pair of lips having at least one opening. The shear plunger assembly is configured to have a disengaged position, wherein the button is extended from the main body and the shear pin is positioned within the main body, and an engaged position, wherein the button is positioned substantially flush with the main body, the recess of the button is positioned substantially flush with the disengagement recess of the main body, and the shear pin is extended from the main body and within the at least one opening.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priority benefits from U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/434,621, filed on Jan. 20, 2011,entitled SEAT TRACK FITTING, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/822,158, filed on Jun. 23, 2010, entitledSEAT TRACK FITTING, now pending, which is related to and claims prioritybenefits from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/269,341, filed onJun. 23, 2009, entitled PRELOADED STUD TRACK FITTING. The '621, '158,'341 applications are hereby incorporated in their entireties by thisreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention relates to seat fitting assemblies forpassenger seats or the like.

BACKGROUND

Many vehicle seats such as those on passenger aircraft, buses, trains,and the like are removably mounted in a track secured to the floor ofthe vehicle. The tracks typically include a channel along their entirelength, where two lips partially enclose the upper side of the channelto form a slot. Semicircular cutout portions are uniformly spaced alongthe lips to create a series of larger circular openings in the slot.Typically, a track fitting assembly is used to couple the passenger seatto the track, where the track fitting body has studs that extendoutwardly from the track fitting body. The studs are typically designedwith a flared end attached to a narrower neck. The flared ends of thestuds pass through the larger openings, and the track fitting assemblyis moved along the track until the flared ends contact the underside ofthe slot lips. Bolts or wedge-type elements are commonly used to createa snug fit between the studs and the track lips to prevent seat rattleand unintended seat displacement.

In some instances, track fitting assemblies do not have sufficientload-carrying capacity and strength to sufficiently secure the passengerseat to the track to prevent seat rattle or to withstand forces that maybe placed on the passenger seat. For example, crashes, turbulence, rapiddeceleration, or other impacts may subject the passenger seat tolongitudinal loads. In situations where the coupling between the trackfitting and the track lacks sufficient strength, application of suchloads may result in the passenger seat becoming misaligned or dislodgedfrom the track, increasing the risk of injury or death to the passengerseat occupant. Accordingly, there is a need for a passenger seat trackfitting assembly that provides sufficient load-carrying capacity andstrength to prevent seat rattle in normal conditions and to transfer atleast some of the load exerted on the passenger seat during a crash tothe track.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of the track fitting assembly include a main bodycomprising at least one plunger aperture, at least one button aperture,and at least one disengagement recess; at least one shear plungerassembly comprising a plunger, a shear pin, a plunger-spring, and abutton comprising a recess; and a track comprising a pair of lipscomprising at least one opening. The shear plunger assembly may beconfigured to have a disengaged position, wherein the button is extendedfrom the main body and the shear pin is positioned within the main body,and an engaged position, wherein the button is positioned substantiallyflush with the main body, the recess is positioned substantially flushwith the disengagement recess, and the shear pin is extended from themain body and within the at least one opening.

Some embodiments of the track fitting assembly may further include atleast one pre-loaded stud assembly and at least one stud aperture withinthe main body, wherein the pre-loaded stud assembly comprises a stud, afastening device, a stud-spring, and a compressing device. Thepre-loaded stud assembly may be configured to have a clamped position,wherein the compressing device is disengaged from the stud, thestud-spring is in an uncompressed position, and the flange of the studis coupled to the pair of lips, and an unclamped position, wherein thecompressing device is engaged with the stud, the stud-spring is in acompressed position, and the flange of the stud is uncoupled from thepair of lips.

The track fitting assembly may be coupled to a track by positioning theflange within one of at least two openings in the pair of lips; slidingthe track fitting assembly along the track until the flange is adjacentthe pair of lips; rotating the compressing device until it is disengagedfrom the stud, the stud-spring is in an uncompressed position, and theflange is coupled to the pair of lips; and pressing the button into themain body until the button is positioned substantially flush with themain body, the recess is positioned substantially flush with thedisengagement recess, and the shear pin is extended from the main bodyand within a second one of the at least two openings.

The track fitting assembly may be uncoupled from a track by inserting atool into the recess and the disengagement recess; applying a force tothe button via the recess until the button is extended from the mainbody and the shear pin is positioned within the main body and removedfrom one of the at least two openings; rotating the compressing deviceuntil the compressing device is engaged with the stud, the stud-springis in a compressed position, and the flange is uncoupled from the pairof lips; sliding the track fitting assembly along the track until theflange is positioned within a second one of the at least two openings;and removing the track fitting assembly from the track.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a track fitting assembly according tocertain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the track fitting assembly ofFIG. 1 with a track.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the trackfitting assembly of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 with the cam in a fullyextended position.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the trackfitting assembly of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 with the cam in a homeposition.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the track fitting assemblyof FIG. 1 with the shear pin in a disengaged position.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the track fitting assemblyof FIG. 1 with the shear pin in an engaged position.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the trackfitting assembly of FIG. 1 taken along line 7-7 with the shear pin in adisengaged position.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the trackfitting assembly of FIG. 1 taken along line 7-7 with the shear pin in anengaged position.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a track fitting assembly according to analternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of a track fitting assemblyaccording to another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the trackfitting assembly of FIG. 10 taken along line 11-11 with the cam in ahome position.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of a track fitting assemblyaccording to yet another alternative embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the trackfitting assembly of FIG. 12 taken along line 13-13 with the cam in ahome position.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a button of a track fitting assembly accordingto alternative embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a track fitting assembly with thebutton of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is another perspective view of the track fitting assembly ofFIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention provide track fitting assemblies for usewith a passenger seat. While the track fitting assemblies are discussedfor use with aircraft seats, they are by no means so limited. Rather,embodiments of the track fitting assemblies may be used in passengerseats or other seats of any type or otherwise as desired.

FIGS. 1-8 illustrate one embodiment of a track fitting assembly 10. Thetrack fitting assembly 10 comprises a main body 12, at least onepre-loaded stud assembly 14, and a shear plunger assembly 16.

The main body 12 may be formed of materials including but not limited toaluminum, stainless steel, other metallic materials, compositematerials, or other similar materials that provide sufficient strengthand stability to secure the passenger seat to a track to prevent seatrattle and to withstand forces that may be placed on the passenger seat.The main body 12 may have any suitable shape that provides sufficientstability and strength to support a passenger seat. Examples of suitablecross-sectional shapes include rectilinear, cylindrical, I-shaped,T-shaped, parabolic, or other similar shapes. In the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the main body 12 has a substantiallyrectilinear shape along its length that gradually expands in height andwidth at each end. In other embodiments, the main body 12 may have thesame cross-sectional shape along its entire length or other suitablecombinations of cross-sectional shapes along its length.

The main body 12 comprises a front fitting 18 that may be secured to afront leg of a passenger seat (not shown) and a back fitting 20 that maybe secured to a back leg of a passenger seat (not shown). The frontfitting 18 is positioned adjacent a front end 22 of the main body 12. Insome embodiments, the front fitting 18 comprises an upper aperture 24 toreceive the front leg of a passenger seat along with a side aperture 26through which a bolt, screw, or other suitable fastener may pass tosecure the front leg to the front fitting 18. The back fitting 20 ispositioned adjacent a back end 28 of the main body 12. In someembodiments, the back fitting 20 comprises an upper aperture 30 toreceive the back leg of a passenger seat along with a side aperture 32through which a bolt, screw, or other suitable fastener may pass tosecure the back leg to the back fitting 20. One of skill in the art willunderstand that any suitable means may be used to secure the trackfitting assembly 10 to the legs of a passenger seat. For example, inother embodiments, the track fitting assembly 10 may be integrallyformed with the passenger seat legs. In yet other embodiments, the trackfitting assembly 10 may be chemically or mechanically bonded to the legsof a passenger seat.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 9, the pre-loaded studassembly 14 is coupled to the back end 28 of the main body 12. In theseembodiments, another pre-loaded stud assembly 14 is coupled to the frontend 22 of the main body 12. In other embodiments, a single pre-loadedstud assembly 14 may be used and may be located at the front end 22, theback end 28, or any other suitable location along the length of the mainbody 12. In yet other embodiments, a plurality of pre-loaded studassemblies 14 may be positioned in any suitable configuration along thelength of the main body 12.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the pre-loaded stud assembly 14 comprises astud 34, a fastening device 36, a stud-spring 38, and a cam 40. The stud34 may be formed of materials including but not limited to aluminum,stainless steel, other metallic materials, composite materials, or othersimilar materials. The stud 34 may have any suitable shape that allowsthe pre-loaded stud assembly 14 to couple with the track fittingassembly 10 including but not limited to dome, T-shaped, conical,parabolic, oval, or other similar shapes. In the embodiment illustratedin FIGS. 3 and 4, the stud 34 comprises a head 42 coupled to amidsection 44, which is in turn coupled to a flange 46. The head 42 isconfigured to engage with the fastening device 36. The midsection 44 hasa cross-sectional area that is larger than the cross-sectional area ofthe head 42. Finally, the flange 46 has a cross-sectional area that islarger than the cross-sectional area of the midsection 44.

In one embodiment, the pre-loaded stud assembly 14 is coupled to thetrack fitting assembly 10 via a stud aperture 48 that creates an openingthat passes through the back end 28 of the main body 12 in asubstantially vertical orientation. In this embodiment, anotherpre-loaded stud assembly 14 is also coupled to the track fittingassembly 10 via another stud aperture 48 that creates an opening thatpasses through the front end 22 of the main body 12 in a substantiallyvertical orientation. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the studaperture 48 has a smaller cross-sectional shape 50 at a lower end 52,which expands to create a larger cross-sectional shape 54 at an upperend 56. A stud-spring biasing ledge 58 is formed at the point where thecross-sectional shape of the stud aperture 48 transitions from thesmaller cross-sectional shape 50 to the larger cross-sectional shape 54.However, one of skill in the relevant art will understand that othersuitable configurations of the stud aperture 48 are possible.

In some embodiments, a cap 59 may be coupled to the stud aperture 48.The cap 59 may be formed of materials including but not limited toaluminum, stainless steel, other metallic materials, compositematerials, injection molded or thermoformed plastic, or other similarmaterials. The cap 59 may have any suitable cross-sectional shape thatconforms to the cross-sectional shape of the stud aperture 48. In theembodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 9, the surface of the cap 59 isshaped to conform to the contour of the main body 12.

With respect to the pre-loaded stud assembly 14 that is inserted intothe stud aperture 48, the head 42 and at least a portion of themidsection 44 of the stud 34 are inserted into the lower end 52 of thestud aperture 48.

The stud-spring 38 is inserted into the upper end 56 of the studaperture 48. Embodiments of the stud-spring 38 include but are notlimited to a coiled spring, a plurality of spring washers, or othersimilar types of devices that supply a spring force or an elastic force.The larger cross-sectional shape 54 is shaped to accommodate thecross-sectional shape of the stud-spring 38. However, the smallercross-sectional shape 50 has a cross-sectional shape that is smallerthan the cross-sectional shape of the stud-spring 38. As a result, thestud-spring 38 is positioned adjacent the stud-spring biasing ledge 58.The stud-spring 38 also includes an inner aperture 60 that is shaped toreceive the cross-sectional shape of the head 42 of the stud 34.

Finally, the fastening device 36 is inserted into the upper end 56 ofthe stud aperture 48. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, thefastening device 36 is a nut. However, one of skill in the relevant artwill understand that any suitable fastening device may be used to securethe stud 34 to the main body 12 including but not limited to a clip, apin, a toggle bolt, a threaded aperture, or other suitable device. Thefastening device 36 engages the head 42 of the stud 34 via mechanicalfasteners located on the fastening device 36 and the head 42. Thefastening device 36 is also shaped to fit within the largercross-sectional shape 54, but not within the smaller cross-sectionalshape 50, so that the fastening device 36 is positioned adjacent thestud-spring 38.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 9, the main body 12 also includes a camaperture 62 that also creates an opening through that passes through theback end 28 of the main body 12 in a substantially horizontalorientation. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 9, another camaperture 62 creates an opening that passes through the front end 22 ofthe main body 12, also in a substantially horizontal orientation. Thecam aperture 62 is configured to intersect the stud aperture 48.However, one of skill in the relevant art will understand that othersuitable configurations of the cam aperture 62 are possible.

The cam 40 is then inserted through the cam aperture 62. While theembodiments shown in FIGS. 1-13 are discussed with the use of the cam 40to interact with the stud 34, the invention is by no means so limited.Rather, embodiments of the pre-loaded stud assembly 14 may be used withother compressing devices including but not limited to a screw, bolt,threaded fastening device, lever, or other similar mechanical devicesthat apply a compressing force to the pre-loaded stud assembly 14.

The cam 40 may be formed of materials including but not limited toaluminum, stainless steel, other metallic materials, compositematerials, or other similar materials. The cam 40 comprises two ends 64that are configured to pass through the cam aperture 62. The ends 64 arecoupled to one another via a cam shaft 66. Each end 64 includes a cutoutarea 68. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-9, the cutout area 68 has acrescent shape, but other suitable shapes include but are not limited tocircular, triangular, and rectilinear.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2-4, the cam shaft 66 is a cylinderwith an irregular shape. The cam shaft 66 is shaped so that a radius 70of the cam shaft 66 has a range of lengths relative to a central axispassing through the two ends 64. The cam shaft 66 may also have an oval,elliptical, scalloped-edged, or other similar shape that is configuredto induce a rising and falling motion in another moving part. Anobserver may determine the relative position of the cam shaft 66 withoutdirectly viewing the cam shaft 66 based on the relative position of thecutout area 68.

When the cam 40 is located in the home position (as shown in FIG. 4), apoint 72 of the shorter side of the cam shaft 66 is positioned above thehead 42 of the stud 34, and the cutout area 68 is located approximatelyin the 9 o'clock position (as viewed from the perspective shown in FIGS.3 and 4).

When the cam 40 is rotated clockwise (as viewed from the perspectiveshown in FIGS. 3 and 4), the length of the radius 70 of the cam shaft 66progressively increases until the cam shaft 66 contacts the head 42, andthen begins to progressively apply increasing pressure on the head 42throughout the remainder of the rotational arc until the stud-spring 38is compressed. In some embodiments, when the stud-spring 38 iscompressed, the cam 40 has traveled approximately 130 degrees from thehome position (as shown in FIG. 4) to the fully extended position (asshown in FIG. 3). In some embodiments, in the fully extended position,the cutout area 68 is located approximately between the 1 o'clockposition and the 2 o'clock position (as viewed from the perspectiveshown in FIGS. 3 and 4). One of skill in the relevant art willunderstand that any suitable rotational arc may be employed incombination with any suitable cam design that results in the fullcompression and release of the stud-spring 38.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-9, the cam 40 is rotated by insertionof an Allen wrench handle into either of the two ends 64. However, oneof skill in the relevant art will understand that the two ends 64 may beshaped to receive any appropriate tool including but not limited to theend of a flat blade screwdriver, an x-shaped head screwdriver, a squarehead screwdriver, a hex key, a star key, an Allen wrench, or othersimilar tool head.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the front end 22of the main body 12 has an elongated shape 31 formed by an upper surface33 and a lower surface 35 that extend at an angle toward one another toform a triangular shape. Other suitable shapes that may be used to formthe elongated shape 31 include but are not limited to curved, parabolic,conical, or other similar shapes. A lip 37 is formed between the lowersurface 35 and the lower surface 134 of the main body 12.

A locking pin aperture 39 is located adjacent the lower surface 35 andcreates an opening that passes through a portion of the elongated shape31 in a substantially vertical orientation. A set screw aperture 41 islocated adjacent the junction between the upper surface 33 and the lowersurface 35 creates an opening that passes through a portion of theelongated shape 31 in a substantially horizontal orientation and isconfigured to intersect the locking pin aperture 39. However, one ofskill in the relevant art will understand that other suitableconfigurations of the locking pin aperture 39 and the set screw aperture41 are possible.

A pin-spring 43 is inserted into the locking pin aperture 39 and held inplace by a locking pin 45 that is also inserted into the locking pinaperture 39 below the pin-spring 43. Embodiments of the pin-spring 43include but are not limited to a coiled spring, a plurality of springwashers, or other similar types of devices that supply a spring force oran elastic force. The locking pin 45 comprises a pin slot 47 thatcreates an opening that passes through the locking pin 45 in asubstantially horizontal orientation. The locking pin 45 is rotatedwithin the locking pin aperture 39 until the pin slot 47 issubstantially aligned with the set screw aperture 41. A set screw 49 isthen coupled to the locking pin 45 by inserting the set screw 49 intothe set screw aperture 41 and securing the set screw 49 to the lockingpin 45 via mechanical fasteners located on the set screw 49 and the pinslot 47. The set screw aperture 41 is shaped to allow the set screw 49to travel a limited vertical distance when coupled to the locking pin45. However, one of skill in the relevant art will understand that anysuitable mechanical fastening device may be used to secure the lockingpin 45 to the elongated shape 31 including but not limited to a clip, apin, a toggle bolt, or other suitable device.

In the alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a lever 51 iscoupled to the two ends 64 of the cam 40 via a plurality of screws 53.The lever 51 may be formed of materials including but not limited toaluminum, stainless steel, other metallic materials, compositematerials, injection molded or thermoformed plastic, or other similarmaterials. The lever 51 is shaped to rotate around the elongated shape31. The lever 51 also includes a release slot 55, where the release slot55 creates an opening that passes through a lever component 57. In theembodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the release slot 55 is shaped toreceive an end of the locking pin 45 and to accommodate the end of aflat blade screwdriver. In other embodiments, the release slot 55 may beshaped to accommodate an x-shaped head screwdriver, a square headscrewdriver, a hex key, a star key, an Allen wrench, or other similartool head.

One of skill in the relevant art will understand that the lever 51 maybe coupled to the two ends 64 through any suitable mechanical orchemical fasteners including but not limited to the use of screws,bolts, spring pins, glue, welding, or other similar attachment means.The lever 51 is coupled to the two ends 64 in a configuration where thelever 51 is located in a lever home position when the cam 40 is locatedin the home position (as shown in FIG. 11). In the lever home position,the lever 51 is positioned below the elongated shape 31 and adjacent thelip 37, and the release slot 55 is positioned adjacent the locking pin45. The pin-spring 43 applies a force to the locking pin 45 to cause thelocking pin 45 to extend through the release slot 55 when the lever 51is in the lever home position.

The lever 51 is released from the lever home position by placing the endof a flat blade screwdriver or other similar tool adjacent the pointwhere the locking pin 45 enters the release slot 55. By applying forceto the locking pin 45 at this point, the locking pin 45 is wedged upwardand the pin-spring 43 is compressed until the locking pin 45 exits therelease slot 55. Once released, the lever 51 is rotated along a leverrotational arc from the lever home position to a lever fully extendedposition, in which the cam 40 is also rotated from the home position tothe fully extended position.

In a second alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the frontend 22 of the main body 12 also has the elongated shape 31 formed by theupper surface 33 and the lower surface 35. In this embodiment, the uppersurface 33 curves downward toward the lower surface 35 forming anS-shape, while the lower surface 35 remains substantially parallel toand aligned with the lower surface 134 of the main body 12. The uppersurface 33 and the lower surface 35 are joined via by a front surface61. Other suitable shapes that may be used to form the elongated shape31 include but are not limited to triangular, curved, parabolic,conical, or other similar shapes.

A spring-plunger aperture 63 is located adjacent the front surface 61and creates an opening that passes through a portion of the elongatedshape 31 in a substantially horizontal orientation. However, one ofskill in the relevant art will understand that other suitableconfigurations of the spring-plunger aperture 63 are possible.

A spring-plunger assembly 71 is inserted into the spring-plungeraperture 63. The spring-plunger assembly 71 comprises a spring 65, aspring-plunger 67, and a housing 73. The spring-plunger assembly 71 iscoupled to the spring-plunger aperture 63 via mechanical fastenerslocated on the housing 73 and the spring-plunger aperture 63. However,one of skill in the relevant art will understand that any suitablemechanical fastening device may be used to secure the spring-plungerassembly 71 to the elongated shape 31 including but not limited to aclip, a pin, a toggle bolt, or other suitable device.

In the alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the lever 51 iscoupled to the two ends 64 of the cam 40 via a plurality of spring pins69. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the lever 51 maybe formed of materials including but not limited to aluminum, stainlesssteel, other metallic materials, composite materials, injection moldedor thermoformed plastic, or other similar materials. The lever 51 isshaped to rotate around the elongated shape 31. The lever 51 alsoincludes the release slot 55, where the release slot 55 creates anopening that passes through the lever component 57. In the embodimentshown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the release slot 55 is shaped to receive anend of the spring-plunger 67 and to accommodate the end of a flat bladescrewdriver. In other embodiments, the release slot 55 may be shaped toaccommodate an x-shaped head screwdriver, a square head screwdriver, ahex key, a star key, an Allen wrench, or other similar tool head.

One of skill in the relevant art will understand that the lever 51 maybe coupled to the two ends 64 through any suitable mechanical orchemical fasteners including but not limited to the use of screws,bolts, spring pins, glue, welding, or other similar attachment means. Inthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the lever 51 is coupled to thetwo ends 64 in a configuration where the lever 51 is located in thelever home position when the cam 40 is located in the home position (asshown in FIG. 13). In the lever home position, the lever 51 ispositioned adjacent the front surface 61, and the release slot 55 ispositioned adjacent the spring-plunger 67. The spring 65 applies a forceto the spring-plunger 67 to cause the spring-plunger 67 to extendthrough the release slot 55 when the lever 51 is in the lever homeposition. Embodiments of the spring 65 include but are not limited to acoiled spring, a plurality of spring washers, or other similar types ofdevices that supply a spring force or an elastic force.

The lever 51 is released from the lever home position by inserting theend of a flat blade screwdriver or other similar tool into the releaseslot 55 in order to apply a force against the spring-plunger 67 untilthe spring-plunger 67 exits the release slot 55 through compression ofthe spring 65. Once released, the lever 51 is rotated along the leverrotational arc from the lever home position to the lever fully extendedposition, in which the cam 40 is also rotated from the home position tothe fully extended position.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-8, the shear plunger assembly 16 iscoupled to the back end 28 of the main body 12 adjacent the pre-loadedstud assembly 14. In other embodiments, the shear plunger assembly 16may be located at the front end 22, the back end 28, or any othersuitable location along the length of the main body 12. In yet otherembodiments, a plurality of shear plunger assemblies 16 may bepositioned in any suitable configuration along the length of the mainbody 12.

The shear plunger assembly 16 comprises a plunger 74, a button 76, aplunger-spring 80, and a shear pin 82. The plunger 74 may be formed ofmaterials including but not limited to aluminum, stainless steel, othermetallic materials, composite materials, or other similar materials. Theplunger 74 may have any suitable shape that allows the shear plungerassembly 16 to couple with the track fitting assembly 10 including butnot limited to rectilinear, cylindrical, I-shaped, T-shaped, parabolic,oval or other similar shapes. As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 7, and 8, theplunger 74 includes a slot 84 that creates an opening that passesthrough the plunger 74 in a substantially horizontal orientation. A bar86 that couples the sides of the slot 84 obstructs a portion of thespace within the plunger 74 created by the slot 84.

The shear pin 82 is coupled to a lower end 88 of the plunger 74. Theshear pin 82 may be formed of materials including but not limited toaluminum, stainless steel, other metallic materials, compositematerials, or other similar materials. The shear pin 82 may have anysuitable shape that allows the shear plunger assembly 16 to couple withthe track fitting assembly 10 including but not limited to circular,semicircular, oval, triangular, parabolic, rectilinear, horse-shoe, orother similar shapes. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6,the shear pin 82 has a boomerang shape where the convex side is orientedtoward the front of the main body 12 and the concave side is orientedtoward the rear of the main body 12.

The plunger-spring 80 includes an inner aperture 89 that is shaped toreceive the cross-sectional shape of the plunger 74. Embodiments of theplunger-spring 80 include but are not limited to a coiled spring, aplurality of spring washers, or other similar types of devices thatsupply a spring force or an elastic force. The plunger-spring 80 is thenpositioned adjacent the lower end 88 of the plunger 74 and the shear pin82.

In one embodiment, the shear plunger assembly 16 is coupled to the trackfitting assembly 10 via a plunger aperture 90 that creates an openingthat passes partially through the back end 28 of the main body 12 in asubstantially vertical orientation.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the plunger aperture 90comprises three cross-sectional shapes along its length. A shear pincross-sectional shape 92 is located at a lower end 94 of the plungeraperture 90. The shear pin cross-sectional shape 92 is configured tosubstantially conform to the cross-sectional shape of the shear pin 82.The shear pin cross-sectional shape 92 transitions to a springcross-sectional shape 96 that is sized to accommodate the combinedcross-sectional area of the plunger 74 and the plunger-spring 80. Thespring cross-sectional shape 96 transitions to a plunger cross-sectionalshape 98 that is sized to accommodate the cross-sectional area of theplunger 74 only, forming a plunger-spring biasing ledge 100 at the pointof transition. As a result, the plunger-spring 80 is biased between theplunger-spring biasing ledge 100 and the shear pin 82. However, one ofskill in the relevant art will understand that other suitableconfigurations of the plunger aperture 90 are possible.

In one embodiment, the shear plunger assembly 16 is also coupled to thetrack fitting assembly 10 via a button aperture 102 that creates anopening that passes through the back end 28 of the main body 12 in asubstantially horizontal orientation. The button aperture 102 isconfigured to intersect the plunger aperture 90 adjacent the portion ofthe plunger aperture 90 having the plunger cross-sectional shape 98.However, one of skill in the relevant art will understand that othersuitable configurations of the plunger aperture 90 and the buttonaperture 102 are possible.

An upper end 104 of the plunger 74 is inserted into the plunger aperture90. The plunger 74 is then rotated within the plunger aperture 90 untilthe slot 84 is substantially aligned with the button aperture 102. Thebutton 76 is then coupled to the plunger 74 by inserting the button 76into the button aperture 102 and the slot 84. The button 76 may beformed of materials including but not limited to aluminum, stainlesssteel, other metallic materials, composite materials, injection moldedor thermoformed plastic, or other similar materials. The button 76comprises a head 106 that is coupled to an extension 108. The extension108 has a cross-sectional shape that fits within the cross-sectionalshape of the slot 84. The extension 108 includes a ramp 110 that engageswith the bar 86 as the extension 108 passes through the slot 84. Anopening 112 of the ramp 110 is positioned at an upper corner of theextension 108. The ramp 110 extends downwardly at an angle until itreaches an end-point 114 within the extension 108 that is locateddiagonally downward and inward from the opening 112. The opening 112also includes a cradle 116 that is configured to hold the bar 86 at theupper end of the ramp 110.

In some embodiments, such as the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5-8, acap 78 may be inserted into the button aperture 102 from the oppositeside where the button 76 was inserted. As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 7,8, and 9, the cap 78 includes an opening 118 that allows an Allen wrenchhandle to be inserted through the cap 78 to contact the extension 108 ofthe button 76. In other embodiments, the opening 118 may be shaped toaccommodate the end of a flat blade screwdriver, an x-shaped headscrewdriver, a square head screwdriver, a hex key, a star key, an Allenwrench, or other similar tool head.

In some embodiments, such as the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 14-15,the button 76 is configured to be disengaged from the same side wherethe button 76 was inserted. The ability to engage and disengage thebutton 76 from the same side may be more convenient, more easilyaccessible, and/or necessary in cases where a fuselage wall or any otherobject may restrict access to the opposite side from where the button 76was inserted. As illustrated in FIGS. 14-15, in these embodiments, thebutton 76 includes a recess 148 that may be positioned between the head106 and the extension 108. In some embodiments, the recess 148 may forma channel that encircles the cross-sectional shape of the head 106. Oneof skill in the relevant art will understand that the recess 148 mayhave any suitable shape that accommodates the end of a flat bladescrewdriver, an x-shaped head screwdriver, a square head screwdriver, ahex key, a star key, an Allen wrench, or other similar tool head.Furthermore, the recess 148 may be positioned at certain locationsadjacent the head 106, but not necessarily surrounding the entirecross-sectional shape of the head 106.

In use, the track fitting assembly 10 is coupled to a track 120. Thetrack 120 may be formed of materials including but not limited toaluminum, stainless steel, other metallic materials, compositematerials, or other similar materials that provides sufficient strengthand stability to support the passenger seat and to withstand forces thatmay be placed on the passenger seat. The track 120 may have any suitableshape that provides sufficient stability and strength to support apassenger seat. Examples of suitable cross-sectional shapes includerectilinear, cylindrical, I-shaped, T-shaped, parabolic, oval, or othersimilar shapes. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the track 120 includes achannel 122 that extends along the length of the track 120. A pair oflips 124 partially enclose an upper side 126 of the channel 122 to forma slot 128. At least one semicircular cutout portion 130 is positionedalong the length of the pair of lips 124 to create at least one circularopening 132 in the slot 128. However, one of ordinary skill in therelevant art will understand that any suitable shape may be used for theopenings in the slot, including but not limited or oval, rectilinear,parabolic, or other suitable shape.

The track fitting assembly 10 is coupled to the track 120 by firstrotating the cam 40 from the home position (as shown in FIG. 4) to thefully extended position (as shown in FIG. 3). The fully extendedposition of the cam 40 corresponds to an unclamped position of thepre-loaded stud assembly 14, in which the cam 40 contacts the stud 34and compresses the stud-spring 38 so that the flange 46 of the stud 34does not contact the pair of lips 124. In these embodiments, thepre-loaded stud assembly 14 is held in the unclamped position byfriction between the cam 40 and the head 42 of the stud 34 and/or apositive stop location on the cam 40, such as a flat spot on the camprofile. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 10-13, the lever 51 isdisengaged from the locking mechanism (either the locking pin 45 or thespring-plunger 67) and rotated from the lever home position (as shown inFIGS. 10-13) to the lever fully extended position, where the lever fullyextended position corresponds to the unclamped position of thepre-loaded stud assembly 14.

Once the pre-loaded stud assembly 14 is positioned in the unclampedposition, the flange 46 of the pre-loaded stud assembly 14 is positionedabove the at least one opening 132 in the slot 128. The flange 46 isthen inserted through the at least one opening 132 so that the flange 46is positioned within the channel 122 and a lower surface 134 of the mainbody 12 contacts an outer surface 136 of the pair of lips 124.

In order to engage the track fitting assembly 10 with the track 120, thepre-loaded stud assembly 14 must be lowered to the unclamped position sothat an upper surface 138 of the flange 46 is below an inner surface 140of the pair of lips 124. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-9, thepre-loaded stud assembly 14 is lowered to the unclamped position byrotating the cam 40 from the home position (as shown in FIG. 4) to thefully extended position (as shown in FIG. 3). In the embodiments shownin FIGS. 10-13, the pre-loaded stud assembly 14 is lowered to theunclamped position by rotating the lever 51 from the home position (asshown in FIGS. 11 and 13) to the fully extended position. In otherembodiments, the pre-loaded stud assembly 14 may be lowered to theunclamped position through other compressing devices including but notlimited to a screw, bolt, threaded fastening device, lever, or othersimilar mechanical devices that apply a compressing force to thepre-loaded stud assembly 14.

When the cam 40 is rotated so that the cam shaft 66 is placed in thefully extended position (as shown in FIG. 3), the shape of the cam shaft66 causes the stud 34 to compress the stud-spring 38, which in turnallows the stud 34 to travel downward a vertical distance sufficient toprovide clearance between the upper surface 138 of the flange 46 and theinner surface 140 of the pair of lips 124. For example, the verticaldistance traveled by the pre-loaded stud assembly 14 is determined bythe amount of travel required to absorb the thickness of the pair oflips 124 plus variations in that thickness due to thickness tolerances,seat track variations, and an additional vertical distance required forthe movement of the track fitting assembly 10 relative to the track 120.As a result, the unclamped position of the pre-loaded stud assembly 14may require a range of vertical distances, and the cam 40 or othercompressing device is shaped to position the pre-loaded stud assembly 14at the unclamped position over a range of vertical distances.

The track fitting assembly 10 is then moved along the track 120 untilthe upper surface 138 of the flange 46 is located below the innersurface 140 of the pair of lips 124. The cam 40 is then rotated back tothe home position (as shown in FIG. 4) so that the cam shaft 66 is nolonger applying force to the stud 34 to compress the stud-spring 38. Inthe embodiments shown in FIGS. 10-13, the lever 51 is rotated back tothe home position (as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13) so that the cam shaft 66is no longer applying force to the stud 34 to compress the stud-spring38. In other embodiments, other compressing devices including but notlimited to a screw, bolt, threaded fastening device, lever, or othersimilar mechanical devices that apply a compressing force to thepre-loaded stud assembly 14 may be retracted as appropriate until thecompressing device no longer contacts the stud 34.

However, the stud-spring 38 is not able to return to its fullyuncompressed state due to the position of the pair of lips 124 over theflange 46, which prevents the flange 46 from returning to its originalposition. As a result, the pre-loaded stud assembly 14 is located in aclamped position relative to the pair of lips 124, in which the cam 40or other compressing device does not contact the stud 34 and the flange46 is placed in snug contact with the pair of lips 124. In the clampedposition, the stud-spring 38 applies a clamping force that causes theflange 46 to remain in snug contact with the pair of lips 124. Theamount of clamping force generated by the stud-spring 38 is determinedbased on the amount of force required to prevent seat rattle between thetrack fitting assembly 10 and the track 120.

In the embodiments where the stud-spring 38 comprises a plurality ofspring washers, the number of spring washers may be adjusted as neededto achieve the appropriate amount of clamping force and the amount ofvertical travel required. For example, when the clamping force is toohigh, one or more spring washers may be removed from the stud-spring 38.In contrast, when the clamping force is too low, one or more springwashers may be added to the stud-spring 38. Another reason to change theamount of spring washers is when the vertical distance is required tochange due to different track thicknesses or tolerances.

In the embodiments where the stud-spring 38 comprises a plurality ofspring washers, the orientation of the plurality of spring washers mayalso be adjusted as needed to achieve the appropriate amount of clampingforce and the amount of vertical travel required. For example, theplurality of spring washers may be oriented in a parallel stack-up (asshown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 13), which is where all of the spring washersare placed in the same concave or convex orientation. A parallelstack-up results in the smaller amount of vertical travel and a greateramount of clamping force. The plurality of spring washers may also beoriented in a series stack-up (as shown in FIG. 11), which is where theplurality of spring washers are stacked in an alternative concave/convexpattern. A series stack-up results in a greater amount of verticaltravel and a smaller amount of clamping force. The plurality of springwashers may also be oriented in a combination of a series stack-up and aparallel stack-up.

In some embodiments, at least one additional stud 142 may be includedalong the length of the main body 12 to provide additional stabilitybetween the track fitting assembly 10 and the track 120. The stud 142may be formed of materials including but not limited to aluminum,stainless steel, other metallic materials, composite materials, or othersimilar materials. The stud 142 may have any suitable shape that allowsthe pre-loaded stud assembly 14 to couple with the track fittingassembly 10 including but not limited to dome, T-shaped, conical,parabolic, oval, or other similar shapes. In the embodiments illustratedin FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 6, and 9, the stud 142 has a shape similar to that ofthe stud 34, but with a slightly shorter head 144.

Each stud 142 is coupled to the main body 12 via an aperture 146. Thestud 142 is coupled to the main body 12 through any suitable mechanicalor chemical fasteners including but not limited to the use of a screw, abolt, glue, welding, or other similar attachment means. In theembodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6, two additional studs 142 arecoupled to the back end 28 of the main body 12 in front of and adjacentto the shear plunger assembly 16. In the alternative embodiment shown inFIG. 9, the two additional studs 142 are coupled to the back end 28 ofthe main body 12 between the shear plunger assembly 16 and thepre-loaded stud assembly 14, where the pre-loaded stud assembly 14 hasbeen relocated forward of its position shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 5-8. Oneof skill in the relevant art will understand that any suitable number ofpre-loaded stud assemblies 14 and studs 142 may be used in conjunctionwith the track fitting assembly 10 in any suitable location along thelength of the main body 12.

After the track fitting assembly 10 has been secured to the track 120,the shear plunger assembly 16 is engaged. In the disengaged position (asshown in FIGS. 5,7, and 14), the head 106 of the button 76 extends fromthe side of the main body 12. In this configuration, the bar 86 islocated in the cradle 116 at the opening 112. In the disengagedposition, the plunger 74 has traveled upward causing the plunger-spring80 to compress against the plunger-spring biasing ledge 100 andwithdrawing the shear pin 82 upward into the shear pin cross-sectionalshape 92 within the main body 12. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5,7, and 14, the spring force in the disengaged position is at least 10lbf.

To engage the shear plunger assembly 16, the head 106 of the button 76is pressed inward until the head 106 is substantially flush with theside of the main body 12 (as shown in FIGS. 6, 8, and 16). As the head106 of the button 76 is pressed inward, the bar 86 moves out of thecradle 116 and begins to travel down the ramp 110 until the bar 86reaches the end-point 114. As the bar 86 travels to the end-point 114,the plunger 74 travels downward, in turn releasing the plunger-spring 80and causing the shear pin 82 to travel downward into one of the at leastone opening 132 on the slot 128. The shear plunger assembly 16 is nowlocked into service within one of the at least one opening 132 throughthe release of plunger-spring 80, the operation of gravity on the shearplunger assembly 16, and based on the geometry of the button 76. Withthe head 106 of the button 76 substantially flush with the side of themain body 12, a passenger is restricted from operating the button 76 toreturn the shear plunger assembly 16 to a disengaged position withoutthe use of tools. Thus, in certain embodiments, as best illustrated inFIGS. 5-8, the shear plunger assembly is returned to a disengagedposition by inserting an Allen wrench handle or other similar tool intothe opening 118 in the cap 78 to push the button 76 out of the engagedposition, where the force is applied from the opposite side from wherethe button 76 was inserted.

In some embodiments, as best illustrated in FIGS. 14-16, the shearplunger assembly is returned to a disengaged position by inserting aflat blade screwdriver, an x-shaped head screwdriver, a square headscrewdriver, a hex key, a star key, an Allen wrench, or other similartool into the recess 148 adjacent the head 106 of the button 76 to pushthe button 76 out of the engaged position, where the force is appliedfrom the same side where the button 76 was inserted. In theseembodiments, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, a disengagement recess 150 maybe positioned adjacent an edge of the button aperture 102. Thus, in theengaged position, the recess 148 is positioned substantially flush withthe disengagement recess 150. The disengagement recess 150 may be shapedto provide additional access to the recess 148 by the tool, such as atleast a portion of a handle of a flat blade screwdriver, an x-shapedhead screwdriver, a square head screwdriver, a hex key, a star key, anAllen wrench, or other similar tool, when the button 76 is in theengaged position. By biasing the tool against the disengagement recess150, the back end 28 of the main body 12 acts as a fulcrum and the toolas a lever to wedge the button 76 out of the engaged position.

By application of a force greater than at least 10 lbf against thebutton 76, the shear plunger assembly 16 can then be returned to thedisengaged position.

The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, anddescribing embodiments of the present invention. Further modificationsand adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilledin the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A track fitting assembly comprising: (a) amain body comprising: (i) at least one plunger aperture comprising aplunger-spring biasing ledge; (ii) at least one button apertureintersecting the at least one plunger aperture; and (iii) at least onedisengagement recess positioned adjacent an edge of the at least onebutton aperture; (b) at least one shear plunger assembly coupled to themain body and comprising: (i) a plunger comprising a slot, wherein theplunger is positioned at least partially within the at least one plungeraperture so that the slot is aligned with the at least one buttonaperture; (ii) a shear pin coupled to a lower end of the plunger; (iii)a plunger-spring biased between the shear pin and the plunger-springbiasing ledge; and (iv) a button comprising a recess shaped to receiveat least an end of a hex key, a star key, or a screwdriver, wherein thebutton is positioned at least partially within the at least one buttonaperture and the slot; (c) a track comprising a pair of lips comprisingat least one opening; and (d) the at least one shear plunger assembly isconfigured to have a disengaged position and an engaged position,wherein: (i) the disengaged position comprises the button extended fromthe main body and the shear pin positioned within the main body; and(ii) the engaged position comprises the button positioned substantiallyflush with the main body, the recess of the button positionedsubstantially flush with the at least one disengagement recess of themain body, and the shear pin extended from the main body and within theat least one opening.
 2. The track fitting assembly of claim 1, whereinthe recess of the button is a channel that encircles a head of thebutton.
 3. The track fitting assembly of claim 1, wherein the buttonfurther comprises a ramp that engages a bar attached to the slot.
 4. Thetrack fitting assembly of claim 3, wherein the bar is positioned withinan upper cradle of the ramp in the disengaged position and at a lowerend-point of the ramp in the engaged position.
 5. The track fittingassembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one disengagement recess isshaped to receive at least a portion of a hex key, a star key, or ascrewdriver.
 6. The track fitting assembly of claim 1, wherein a forceof greater than at least 10 lbf is required to transition the at leastone shear plunger assembly from the engaged position to the disengagedposition.
 7. The track fitting assembly of claim 1, wherein the at leastone shear plunger assembly is coupled to a back end of the main body. 8.A track fitting assembly comprising: (a) a main body comprising: (i) atleast one plunger aperture comprising a plunger-spring biasing ledge;(ii) at least one button aperture intersecting the at least one plungeraperture; and (iii) at least one disengagement recess positionedadjacent an edge of the at least one button aperture; (b) at least oneshear plunger assembly coupled to the main body and comprising: (i) aplunger comprising a slot, wherein the plunger is positioned at leastpartially within the at least one plunger aperture so that the slot isaligned with the at least one button aperture; (ii) a shear pin coupledto a lower end of the plunger; (iii) a plunger-spring biased between theshear pin and the plunger-spring biasing ledge; and (iv) a buttoncomprising a recess, wherein the button is positioned at least partiallywithin the at least one button aperture and the slot; (c) a trackcomprising a pair of lips comprising at least one opening; (d) the atleast one shear plunger assembly is configured to have a disengagedposition and an engaged position, wherein: (i) the disengaged positioncomprises the button extended from the main body and the shear pinpositioned within the main body; and (ii) the engaged position comprisesthe button positioned substantially flush with the main body, the recessof the button positioned substantially flush with the at least onedisengagement recess of the main body, and the shear pin extended fromthe main body and within the at least one opening; (e) the main bodycomprising at least one stud aperture comprising a stud-spring biasingledge; (f) at least one pre-loaded stud assembly coupled to the mainbody, wherein the at least one pre-loaded stud assembly comprises: (i) astud comprising an upper end and a flange, wherein the stud ispositioned at least partially within the at least one stud aperture;(ii) a fastening device coupled to the upper end of the stud; (iii) astud-spring biased between the fastening device and the stud-springbiasing ledge; and (iv) a compressing device coupled to the main body,wherein the compressing device is positioned adjacent the upper end ofthe stud; and (g) the at least one pre-loaded stud assembly configuredto have a clamped position and an unclamped position, wherein: (i) theclamped position comprises the compressing device disengaged from thestud, the stud-spring in an uncompressed position, and the flange of thestud coupled to the pair of lips via a clamping force applied by thestud-spring; and (ii) the unclamped position comprises the compressingdevice engaged with the stud, the stud-spring in a compressed position,and the flange of the stud uncoupled from the pair of lips.
 9. The trackfitting assembly of claim 8, wherein the compressing device is a screw.10. The track fitting assembly of claim 8, wherein the compressingdevice is a cam configured to position the at least one pre-loaded studassembly in the unclamped position over a range of thicknesses of thepair of lips.
 11. The track fitting assembly of claim 10, wherein the atleast one pre-loaded stud assembly is held in the unclamped position byfriction between the cam and the upper end of the stud.
 12. The trackfitting assembly of claim 10, wherein the at least one pre-loaded studassembly is held in the unclamped position by a positive stop locationon the cam.
 13. The track fitting assembly of claim 10, wherein a leveris coupled to the cam and configured to rotate between a lever homeposition and a lever fully extended position, wherein a lockingmechanism is coupled to the lever in the lever home position, andwherein the lever fully extended position corresponds to the unclampedposition of the at least one pre-loaded stud assembly.
 14. The trackfitting assembly of claim 10, wherein the at least one pre-loaded studassembly is coupled to a front end of the main body.
 15. A method ofcoupling a track fitting assembly to a track, wherein the track fittingassembly comprises (i) a main body comprising at least one disengagementrecess; (ii) at least one pre-loaded stud assembly coupled to the mainbody, wherein the at least one pre-loaded stud assembly comprises acompressing device, a stud-spring, and a stud comprising a flange; and(iii) at least one shear plunger assembly coupled to the main body,wherein the at least one shear plunger assembly comprises a shear pinand a button comprising a recess, the method comprising the steps of:(a) positioning the flange of the at least one pre-loaded stud assemblywithin one of at least two openings in a pair of lips of the track; (b)sliding the track fitting assembly along the track until the flange ofthe at least one pre-loaded stud assembly is adjacent the pair of lips;(c) rotating the compressing device until the compressing device isdisengaged from the stud, the stud-spring is in an uncompressedposition, and the flange of the stud is coupled to the pair of lips viaa clamping force applied by the stud-spring; and (d) pressing the buttonof the at least one shear plunger assembly into the main body until thebutton is positioned substantially flush with the main body, the recessof the button is positioned substantially flush with the at least onedisengagement recess of the main body, and the shear pin is extendedfrom the main body and within a second one of the at least two openingsin the pair of lips of the track.
 16. The track fitting assembly ofclaim 15, wherein the compressing device is a screw.
 17. The trackfitting assembly of claim 15, wherein the compressing device is a cam.18. A method of uncoupling a track fitting assembly from a track,wherein the track fitting assembly comprises (i) a main body comprisingat least one disengagement recess; (ii) at least one pre-loaded studassembly coupled to the main body, wherein the at least one pre-loadedstud assembly comprises a compressing device, a stud-spring, and a studcomprising a flange; and (iii) at least one shear plunger assemblycoupled to the main body, wherein the at least one shear plungerassembly comprises a shear pin and a button comprising a recess, themethod comprising the steps of: (a) inserting a tool into the recess ofthe button and the at least one disengagement recess of the main body;(b) applying a force to the button via the recess until the button isextended from the main body and the shear pin is positioned within themain body and removed from one of at least two openings in a pair oflips of the track; (c) rotating the compressing device until thecompressing device is engaged with the stud, the stud-spring is in acompressed position, and the flange of the stud is uncoupled from thepair of lips; (d) sliding the track fitting assembly along the trackuntil the flange of the at least one pre-loaded stud assembly ispositioned within a second one of the at least two openings; and (e)removing the track fitting assembly from the track.
 19. The trackfitting assembly of claim 18, wherein insertion of the tool andextension of the button are located on the same side of the main body.20. The track fitting assembly of claim 18, wherein the tool is a hexkey, a star key, or a screwdriver.